Willow Ermine - Yponomeuta rorrella

This is one of four Ermine moth species, namely Orchard Ermine (Yponomeuta padella), Apple Ermine (Yponomeuta malinellus), Spindle Ermine (Yponomeuta cagnagella) and Willow Ermine (Yponomeuta rorrella) which should now be recorded as Yponomeuta agg., unless it is made clear that they were recorded as an occupied larval web or reared from the relevant larval foodplant.

In areas where willow species are present.

The adult moths fly in July and August, and in common with others in the group, are readily attracted to light.

A relatively local species, occurring sporadically in much of England, though with an eastern and coastal bias. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).